Elder Law Program announces availability of legal handbook for caregivers

The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Elder Law Program (UHELP) proudly announces the publication “Deciding ‘What’s Next?’ – A Legal Handbook for Hawai‘i’s Older Persons, Families, and Caregivers,” a sequel to to its handbook, “Deciding Who Cares,” that includes updates on laws and data current to Spring 2011. The handbook guides the reader in a simplified way through several areas of legal concerns affecting older persons as well as their families and those who care for them. It also addresses the various challenges caregivers face in helping elders in the home and in the community.

“Often the work that caregivers do is underappreciated, invisible and uncompensated. This book highlights their need for support, information, resources and solutions to better be prepared to meet those challenges and be comfortable in their role as caregivers,” noted Professor James H. Pietsch, director of the UHELP. “We, and all the staff and members of UHELP, are grateful to the Elderly Affairs Division, Department of Community Service, City and County of Honolulu for the opportunity to provide legal services to older persons for close to two decades at the William S. Richardson School of Law,” he said.

The publication of the handbook was made possible by the work of the State of Hawai‘i Executive Office on Aging, the Hawai‘i County Office on Aging, the Kaua'i County Agency on Elderly Affairs, the Maui County Office on Aging, the Elderly Affairs Division of the City and County of Honolulu, with funding from the U.S. Administration on Aging. Copies can be obtained for free at the City and County of Honolulu.